'Police officer dragged 80 feet along Westway by millionaire driver'

Philanthropist: Sir Harry Djanogly, who has donated millions to charity, and his wife Lady Carol, pictured with Prince Charles Rex

A police officer was dragged 80 feet along a dual carriageway by a car driven by millionaire philanthropist Sir Harry Djanogly, a court heard.

The textile manufacturer, 76, who has an estimated fortune of £300 million, had been stopped by the officer for allegedly speeding in his Jaguar.

Sir Harry is charged with dangerous driving and assault and was bailed at Hammersmith magistrates’ court yesterday, when he was not asked to enter a plea.

He allegedly drove his silver Jaguar XK dangerously on the Westway A40 in Hammersmith on December 27 last year and assaulted Sergeant Robert McDonald, who suffered a knee injury.

Sir Harry, knighted in 1993 for services to charity, is understood to claim his wife Lady Carol, who was also in the car, was suffering chest pains and had an urgent hospital appointment.

Prosecutor Guy Saul told the court it was 8pm when police saw Sir Harry driving at over 70mph in a 50mph zone and put on their car lights to make him stop. He slowed down as Sergeant McDonald approached, the court was told, but then revved his engine.

Mr Saul said the Jaguar moved forward and the officer fell, but then grabbed Sir Harry’s steering wheel with both hands as the car veered towards traffic.

He was represented by Nick Freeman — known as “Mr Loophole” for his success in defending motoring offences.

Sir Harry, whose address was given as a £1 million maisonette in St James’s, founded the Djanogly Foundation which has donated millions to arts and education. He is due to appear at Isleworth crown court for another hearing on July 7.